A leader and pioneer in sustainable architecture, Brooks' ability to meld sustainability, aesthetics, and affordability in projects—such as the 100 percent energy-neutral, LEED Gold-certified Colorado Court affordable housing development and the high-performance Step Up on 5th apartment for homeless adults—has earned her and her firm more than 50 design awards. Brooks also co-founded Livable Places, a nonprofit development company dedicated to counteracting suburban sprawl. As part of her recognition, Brooks has received a $10,000 prize, which she will donate to Global Green USA.

Beginning February 25, Brooks and the nine other honorees will be featured during USA programming over the course of six weeks in vignettes profiling their lives, work, and influences.

Pugh + Scarpa is the recipient of the 2010 Architecture Firm Award from The American Institute of Architects. Read ra's article on the AIA's annual award winners here. Also, read ra's August 2006 cover story on the firm.